Great Lakes Wire

Yesterday, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Patrick Nolan, a 44-year-old resident of Plymouth. Nolan was found guilty by a Wayne County jury in October 2023 for arson-related charges stemming from an incident in 2019 where he intentionally set fire to his own home. The conviction includes one count of Arson of an Insured Dwelling and one count of 2nd Degree Arson. He has been sentenced to serve between seven and twenty years in prison and must pay $272,581 in restitution to the insurer.

The fire occurred on January 1, 2019, when Plymouth Township Police and Fire Departments responded to a house blaze. Nolan, who owned the property, attempted to claim insurance money for the loss after deliberately starting the fire.

"Arson is not a victimless crime," stated Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. "It endangers lives, destroys property, and raises insurance costs for honest homeowners. I am grateful the Court upheld Mr. Nolan’s conviction and remain committed to working with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to hold those who engage in this dangerous and deceitful conduct accountable."

The investigation into Nolan's actions was conducted jointly by the Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU).

Anita Fox, Director of DIFS, remarked on their collaborative efforts: "We are proud to work closely with the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute those who commit insurance fraud, as it increases costs for all consumers and businesses in Michigan." She also encouraged Michiganders who suspect fraud to report it either online or via phone.

The DIFS FIU focuses on investigating criminal activities related to insurance fraud within financial markets. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or visiting DIFS' website.